Vista - Dell Inspiron 518 Upgrade

I have a Dell Inspiron 518 (the one with the Core 2 Duo, no upgrades since purchase) and I don't play many games, but I'm interested in gettings these mods for GTA San Andreas which I can play fine right now that enhanced the graphics. I am willing to therefore, upgrade my graphics card.

So far, price wise, the GeForce 9500 GT seems best for me. Mwave Australia: Buy Cheap Inno3D GeForce 9500GT, 512MB DDR2, D-Sub, Dual-Link DVI, HDCP, HDTV, Fan, PCIe2.0 in Sydney, Australia Online Computer Store! That is the link. From that you get an idea of my price range, probably nothing over $90/110 in AUS but preferably around 60/70.

I understand the Dell doesn't have a good PSU either so I could upgrade it. I need your advice on the best PSU. Price range is about $>80 AUS. I found Mwave Australia: Buy Cheap Thermaltake 430W PSU (W0084) in Sydney, Australia Online Computer Store! and Mwave Australia: Buy Cheap Gigabyte Superb 460 460W Superb Power Supply, 120mm Fan, PCI-E Conn., 4x SATA Power Connectors, RoHS ready (24EPG-P40AC2-31R) in Sydney, Australia Online Computer Store!.

So main question:
Would putting a Nvidia GeForce 9500GT in a Dell Inspiron 518 with around 450W PSU upgrade work?

Also, I don't know much about what my comp actually has/uses in hardware like eg SATA or PCIE. If I got the PSU in the link, the one without SATA, would it still work?

This is your machine?
Dell Inspiron 518 Desktop Details

More detailed specs:
Dell Inspiron 518 Desktop Computer (Intel Core 2 Quad 320GB HDD, 2GB) specs and Desktop specifications - CNET Reviews

You need SATA connectors.

Realistically you could probably get away with using your existing PSU, but either of those PSU's you linked would do the job.

However any of the Thermaltake PSU's that aren't from the Toughpower series aren't generally regarded as quality units. I haven't much about the Gigabyte models. Unfortunately quality PSU's have a price to match.

But at least they aren't SHAWS (Never, ever, ever buy a SHAW PSU)

But yes, a 9500GT will work with a 450W PSU.

Yes that's it, only I got a Core 2 Duo not a quad core. So I'll just go look for a PSU your saying that would be find around 450W that supports SATA and PCIE.

I'll just go look for a PSU now. Oh, and I plan on building my own comp in about a year, so I don't want to get anything top position right now.


Oh, tell me more about SHAW. Lol I wanna know how bad it is. How does it Fail?


Edit: Well, maybe I invest a little more money and get http://www.mwave.com.au/newAU/mwaveA...7&sku=34040188 which looks a little better for me for not much more money. Plus it says its got low noise. How do you reckon that would go?

How does it Fail? Consistently and epically. It's almost like putting a bomb in your rig


That's a good PSU. Corsair are a respected brand. As for longevity, that depends on it's usage. If it isn't being pushed to the max, it could last anywhere up to 5 or so years.

Basically it will still be good to go when everything else is upgraded. However you have to consider your future needs for Power.

For example, if you were to upgrade to a i5/i7 with a high end video card, plus some overclocking, then a 750-850w would be a better long term.

A cheap PSU should tide you over, but buying a quality PSU now and using it later is also feasible.

And what about if I get the 450W one and just still buy a new one later?

Until you know what you are upgrading to, a cheap PSU should should be fine.

Ok thanks. Lol, SHAWN

No worries mate